Gearing Up For Safety: Jarrell ISD PD Hosts Bike Safety Course

by Charlotte Kovalchuk • photos courtesy JISD Police Department

ith so many young bike riders in the Jarrell community, Jarrell ISD Police Chief Sharif Mezayek decided to offer a learning opportunity this summer to help ensure kids enjoy a safe summer out on the streets. “We sometimes see kids riding down the middle of the road, which is not the safest, so we want to get a message out for bike safety.”

In June, Jarrell ISD PD hosted two bike safety courses and will host its final session from 9am to noon on Saturday, July 12 at Igo Elementary. The comprehensive course, taught by Chief Mezayek and Sergeant Jason Wolf, will educate participants on essential biking skills, including obeying traffic rules, controlling their bikes and checking them for roadworthiness, and adhering to proper bike etiquette. The session will also focus on the importance of safety equipment such as lights to enhance visibility during night rides. To support this lesson, the department will provide headlights and taillights for the kids’ bikes, generously donated by the Masonic Lodge in Georgetown.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

The course will also offer hands-on learning opportunities, including an obstacle course and bike ride in the school parking lot alongside Chief Mezayek and Sergeant Wolf. “Bikes can be a really fun way to get exercise and travel around with friends but we also need to teach the kids safety. Overall, we just want them to have fun but be safe doing it,” the chief says. He adds, “What I’m most excited about is hanging out with kids in a different setting so we can continue building the relationships we strive to build every day.”

While the class targets elementary students, kids of all ages are welcome to attend the class and no pre-registration is needed.

For more information, scan the code or visit Jarrell ISD’s events calendar at jarrellisd.org/Page/2#calendar1/20240620/month